Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree Contestant Rules and Regulatio ns Revised June, 2012 The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree exists to perpetuate traditional Appalachian and Old-Time music, while recognizing the Bluegrass influence on our mountain music culture. This is an Old-Time Appalachian Festival, and therefore, old-time rules will prevail.

THE COMPETITION 15. A medley of tunes is NOT acceptable. The Competition consists of Preliminary Events throughout the day, 16. The Jamboree Board reserves the right to reduce prize during which each contestant will either play one tune or dance one time. money if too few contestants register. The top three contestants will return that evening after the Preliminary 17. Because of the varying number of participants in each category, Events are finished to compete in the finals. Each contestant will perform time limits may sometimes be necessary. Please check rules on one song during the finals (with the exception of the Fiddle-off...see your event. below). Contestants who register first will perform last in both the preliminaries and the finals. II. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES:

PLEASE NOTE 1. Old-Time Appalachian Folk-Singing (solo/duet) The commercial use of any portion of the Jamboree program by film, video or audio is strictly prohibited by law without the written authorization Maximum of 2 instruments. Maximum of 3 minutes. NO taped music of the Jamboree Board. is allowed. Event will be timed. Violation of time limit will result in deduction of points on score. Only Old-Time Appalachian Folk songs

PARTICIPANTS may be sung. Newer songs may be disqualified. Contestants will be All amateur musicians and dancers are invited to participate - no judged on vocal ability, not instrument skills. Vocal ability includes professionals please! (Professionals are defined as those earning 50% or intonation and overall vocal quality for both leads and/or harmony. more of their total income in their talent field through performing.) Contestants may enter once as a soloist and once as part of a duet.

The Jamboree Coordinator, Officers, Board members and committee 2. Guitar, Flat-Top members may not compete in the competition. Emphasis on clarity of tone, timing and rhythm.

3. Junior Clogging (ages 13-39) I. GENERAL GUIDELINES: Emphasis on rhythm, timing, energy, appearance of dress, expression, and authenticity. Shoes must be worn. This is 1. Electric amplification, drums, or any percussion instrument (other than NOT a restricted dance. Dancers will dance only one time in the hammered dulcimer) will not be permitted to enter or be used as a both eliminations and finals. back up for the contestants. 2. In selecting the Grand Champion Fiddler (“Fiddle Off”) from winners of 4. Junior Buck Dancing (ages 13-39) the Junior and Senior Fiddle competition, each contestant will play Emphasis on feet as well as rhythm, timing, energy, appearance of three tunes; one hoedown or fast tune, one waltz, and one tune of the dress, expression and authenticity. Foot, arm, and fiddlers’ choice. The two finalists will draw for position. This is judged upper body movement should be limited. The feet should not be higher on Old-Time Appalachian style. *Please see category #24 for than 6” off the floor during the entire dance performance. Arms should Bluegrass Fiddle. not be flounced but should be held loosely at the sides of the body, 3. In the “individual performer categories” each contestant may perform keeping the head and shoulders as level as possible. Shoes and taps unaccompanied, or accompanied by no more than 2 instruments. must be worn.

The accompanists shall not double the melody line with any 5. Dobro (resophonic) Guitar contestant. With the exception of the Flat Top Guitar category, Emphasis on clarity of tone, rhythm, timing and style. accompanists must play a different type instrument than the contestant. 6. Mountain Dulcimer 4. The integrity of each competitive category will be protected, and Traditional style of playing with noter and pick is encouraged in each contestant will be responsible for entering the keeping with the Appalachian theme of the contest, but not mandatory. correct and appropriate category. Emphasis will be on sound, rhythm, timing, tuning, and execution. 5. The decision of the Judges will be final. Chromatic dulcimers will not be allowed, however the 6 1/2 fret will be accepted. Other 1/2 frets, such as the 1 1/2 fret, will not be allowed. 6. Contestants winning a category for two consecutive years must sit out one year before competing again. 7. Hammer Dulcimer 7. The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree reserves the right to make Only American Hammered Dulcimers will be permitted. No related changes at any time. instruments will be permitted. Emphasis will be on sound, rhythm, 8. Vocals are not permitted in any instrumental category. timing, tuning, and execution. 9. Broken performances (false starts, sound system problems, instrument failure, environmental difficulties, etc...) may be replayed 8. Novelty or questioned only with the express permission of the judges. Anything novel in keeping with the Old-Time Appalachian theme 10. If a string breaks during the competition, the contestant will have (jug bands, jug blowing, spoon clacking, washboard, tub, saw, etc.) the option to continue or stop at that point. If the tune is completed, it will be judged as played. If the contestant stops play, he/she will 9. Old-Time Fiddle Band be allowed to begin again with that tune and complete his/her One fiddle must be a lead instrument. Emphasis will be placed on program without penalty. A reasonable amount of time will be Old-Time Appalachian style music. A band member may not play in allotted for a string replacement. If another instrument is available more than one band in this same event. Failure to comply will result in and given to the performer to continue, that will be allowed. no score for both groups. You will need to honor the players with clear 11. Contestants must remain behind or beside the stage entrance until roots in this tradition. Also judged will be repertoire, style/spirit, they are called. Practicing near the judging area will not and instrumentation.

be permitted. 10. Autoharp 12. A contestant’s failure to appear after 3 calls to the stage will result Fingerpicks, flat picks, or bare fingers will all be allowed. Lap style in disqualification. It is the contestant’s responsibility to hear the or Appalachian style of holding the instrument is acceptable. event called from the stage. 13. Clowning or showboating may result in loss of points. 14. In the event of a tie, a replay will be necessary. (Continued on next page)

style of the tune’s source. Variation and ornamentation should 11. Youth Square Dancing (average age of 7 of emphasize the distinctive flavor of the tune, not distract from or the 8 members must be 16 or under) obscure it. • Judges will look for square dance routines in keeping with b. Rhythm/timing: the ability to set and maintain a steady preservation of old style. (not modern, precision dance styles) danceable tempo, with no unevenness, breaks in the rhythm or • Dancers will be judged according to authenticity, taste, dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed if they are appearance, intensity, energy, rhythm, timing, and overall expression part of the tune and traditionally played. Dotted notes or in executing the dance. syncopation, when appropriate to the tunes, are also allowed. • Dancers will dance one time in both elimination and final events. c. Execution, difficulty, tone, and mastery: the tune’s level of • Shoes with taps must be worn. difficulty and contestant’s proficiency. Notes should be played • Teams will consist of 4 couples (total of 8 dancers). clearly, on pitch, with good tone. • No more than 4 couples will be allowed. d. Expression/feeling: the ability to move or “connect” with the • Teams will dance to one tune. audience and judges. The contestant’s passion for the music is • One appointed Jamboree band will play for ALL teams. Speed clearly evident. should compliment the grace and beauty of the dance. 18. Junior Old-Time Appalachian Flat-Foot Dancing (ages 0-39) • Maximum of 4 1/2 minutes for each routine. Event will be timed. All performers will compete individually to the same tune. Shoes must Violation of the time limit will result in deduction of points on the score. be worn. NO taps on shoes. This event should consist of authentic old- Time and Scoring begins when the team begins to dance in unison, time dancing in the true “flat-foot style.” Emphasis on authenticity, dancing routine, and ends once entire team has exited the stage. rhythm, timing, and execution. Arms should not be flounced but should (warm ups, or anything causing your team’s feet to begin to move, be held loosely at the sides of the body. The feet should be kept even without music, will signal you have begun. So be aware that you parallel to the floor and as close to the floor as possible. are being timed and do not need to warm up on stage...unless it is part of your routine. Dance directors need to exit with the team. To skip 19. Senior Old-Time Appalachian Flat-Foot Dancing around the stage cheering ones self will continue to be considered part (ages 40 and over) Please refer to rule #18. of the timed routine.) Please enter and exit in an orderly fashion. 20. Senior Buck Dancing (ages 40 and over) • Jamboree coordinator will appoint staff to time routines. Do not Please refer to rule #4. take it upon yourselves to time the teams. Judges or committee members will not take heed to advice (other than staff) concerning 21. Senior Clogging (ages 40 and over) timing. Please refer to rule #3.

• It is not required, but we ask that dance teams leave the stage, 22. Bluegrass Banjo continuing a “slow-down” movement (basic step will work) for your This tradition emphasizes the three-finger roll and may include team. Dancing 4 1/2 minutes and stopping at once is dangerous to the “melodic style” and single-string interludes. Resonator-type banjos will heart. Keep your teams healthy and safe. be permitted. Emphasis on styling, clarity, intensity, authenticity, and • Loud, negative or abusive comments will not be tolerated on the expression. Each participant may be accompanied by no more than 2 grounds. Always exhibit good sportsmanship. instruments (bass, rhythm, guitar, etc...) • As a courtesy to all performers on stage, as well as the band, we ask that those waiting behind the stage be respectful 23. Bluegrass Band to others. No practice may take place behind or beside the stage area Bands must have a minimum of 4 members and not more than 6 (due to the noise). members. Vocals are optional. A band member may not play in • Disrespect and poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. No more than one band in this same event. Failure to comply will result in director, team member, family member, etc...may approach a judge no score for both groups. *Highest marks will be given to bands that (before, during, or after a performance). Approaching a judge will creatively and skillfully combine some fundamental essence of the result in disqualifying your team. bluegrass music (e.g. repertoire, style/spirit, traditional blue grass • No one may dispute the outcome of judge’s scores. Judge’s scores vocal harmony, and/or instrumentation.) The contestants are advised to abide by the intention of the event to honor players with clear roots are FINAL. in the bluegrass tradition. Judges will keep in mind the “bluegrass” aspect of a performance with scoring the appropriateness of an 12. Gospel Singing (solo only) arrangement. A cappella or accompanied by a maximum of 2 instruments. **Will be judged with the following in mind: NO taped music. Emphasis on authentic gospel songs. No a. Material selection: difficulty, taste, authenticity. more than 2 complete verses may be sung. b. General instrumental musicianship: rhythm, timing, 13. Country Harmonica intonation, expression for both solos and overall Use of chromatic or double-reed instruments will not be permitted instrumental blend. – single-reed instruments only. c. Vocal performance: intonation and overall vocal quality for both leads and harmony. 14. Old-Time Banjo d. Stage presence: entertainment value, showing comfort with Resonator-type banjos not permitted. Emphasis on authentic the audience and expertise with the music. mountain style. Picks are not permitted. 24. Bluegrass Fiddle - Neil Dudney Award 15. Gospel Singing (duet, trio, quartet) Bluegrass fiddling is a separate style distinct from old-time fiddling. Emphasis on harmony, style, execution, and authentic gospel This more contemporary style includes influences from jazz and swing songs. No more than 4 instruments permitted. No more than 2 (includes bluegrass, Texas swing, and performance tunes). The complete verses may be sung. No taped music. Contestants judges will focus on advanced bowing techniques, double may only enter this category once. stops, slides, hot licks, variations, and innovative arrangements. 16. Mandolin Trick tunes such as Orange Blossom Special and Mockingbird Hill Traditional old-time or bluegrass style is permitted. Emphasis are not permitted. on tonal quality, execution, timing, rhythm, and styling. 25. Old Time Senior Fiddlers (ages 40 and over) 17. Old Time Junior Fiddlers (ages 13-39) Please refer to rule #17 - Junior Fiddler rules. Emphasis on clarity, tone, timing, execution, and adherence to 26. Square Dancing Old- Time authenticity. This includes: Please refer to rule # 11 - Youth Square Dance rules a. Authenticity: the ability to play danceable music in a manner *note change: no more than 4 couples (8 dancers) to a team. appropriate to the style of the music. The fiddler should have a basic respect for the structure of the tune and the tradition and 27. Old Time Junior and Old Time Senior Fiddlers’ Fiddle Off for Grand Championship and the Berry C. Williams Memorial Trophy

For more information on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, call, write or visit: (615) 597.8500 • P. O. Box 83, Smithville,Tennessee 37166 www.smithvillejamboree.com